Can Your Phone Make You Happier?

Some researchers claim that our brain generates upwards of 50,000 thoughts per day, and--here's a shocker!--that 79 percent of those thoughts are negative. Other researchers have found that positive thinking reduces stress, lowers depression and allows us to cope better during tough times. Take these two facts together, and the conclusion is clear: We'd all benefit from some happier thoughts.

A key aspect of cognitive behavioral therapy is examining our “automatic negative thoughts” and finding ways to retrain the neurons in our brains to replace those down-in-the-dump ruminations with positive ideas instead. The reason is, our thoughts affect our behavior; so thinking upbeat has the power to change how you act and truly transform your life for the better.

A new app for your iPhone or Android has the same aim: The Universal Thinking Device notifies user throughout the day to think specific affirming thoughts. You can pick from the program’s hundreds of options or you can input your own. I like the simplicity here: You might be going down the rabbit hole of thinking you’re doing a lousy job at work or worrying about all of your faults as a girlfriend, and then–ping!–your cell phone issues you a reminder to chill out, enjoy yourself, appreciate all that’s good in your life and value your positive traits. If you don’t want to get the app (or don’t have a smart phone), you can set up your own reminders on your phone or email that remind you to think happy thoughts–or simply decorate your work space with Post-its with affirming messages.

Still, I like the intention behind the app. Finding ways to seek out more positivity in our lives in always a plus in my book. Especially at a time of year when we have to much to be happy about and thankful for–Barbeques! Beautiful weather! Flowers! Here’s to a spring filled with sunshine and sunny thoughts!

Dr. Catherine Birndorf is a psychiatrist specializing in women’s health, founding director of the Payne Whitney Women’s Program at NewYork-Presbyterian Hospital in NYC, co-author of The Nine Rooms of Happiness and SELF’s Happiness Expert.

Got an issue with your job, your boyfriend or your roommate? Dr. Birndorf can help! Write to her, and her advice for you could appear in a future blog or issue of SELF.